# Is jsonfile ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> jsonfile@6.2.1 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

Easily read/write JSON files.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against jsonfile@6.2.1.

jsonfile ships CommonJS only. require("jsonfile") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "jsonfile" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

## What to do

1. require("jsonfile") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun.
2. From ES modules use the default import: import jsonfile from "jsonfile"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: npm install -D @types/jsonfile

## Facts

- Latest: 6.2.1 (Apr 20, 2026)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 6.2.1
- TypeScript types: @types/jsonfile
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 94.2M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for jsonfile@6.2.1

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("jsonfile") from a CommonJS file and import "jsonfile" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("jsonfile") | import "jsonfile" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | works | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import jsonfile

ES modules:

```js
import jsonfile from "jsonfile";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const jsonfile = require("jsonfile");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (27 versions; the newest 27 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0.1 – 6.2.1 | CommonJS | Sep 10, 2012 |

## Frequently asked

**Is jsonfile ESM-only?**

jsonfile@6.2.1 is a CommonJS package. jsonfile ships CommonJS only. require("jsonfile") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "jsonfile" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

**Can I import jsonfile with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import jsonfile from "jsonfile" works in Node.js and Bun because they support importing CommonJS modules. Named imports work only when Node.js can statically detect the exports.

**Does jsonfile work in Bun?**

Yes. import "jsonfile" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does jsonfile ship TypeScript types?**

Not bundled. Install the community types with "npm install -D @types/jsonfile".

## Links

- [jsonfile on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/jsonfile)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/jprichardson/node-jsonfile)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/jsonfile/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/jsonfile.json)

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